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Deputies: Mother and daughter killed in murder-suicide in Bradenton

Posted at 11:26 AM, Sep 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-24 18:10:52-04

BRADENTON, Fla. — Three people are dead after a shooting inside a Manatee County home.

According to investigators, James Bennett, shot and killed Silvana Bennett, 35, and her daughter Andrea Barberena-Rojas, 16, inside a home located at 11606 Griffith Ter. on Sunday.

Bennett then turned the gun on himself.

Deputies said James Bennett’s mother Carla, heard her son and daughter-in-law arguing late last night before hearing gunshots.

“They were obviously having some problems, maybe marital problems, and we are hearing from the mother of the suspect who was in the home, that it was a pretty bad argument,” said Randy Warren, Manatee County Sheriff’s Department.

According to deputies, James shot and killed and likely shot Andrea as she tried to run away. She was rushed to the hospital but later died from her injuries.

Andrea attended Lakewood Ranch High School.

Two other people, including a grandmother and 2-year-old child, were inside the home at the time of the shooting but were not hurt.